Rowley 'unaware' of Salford player strike threat

Paul Rowley's Salford Red Devils claimed only their second Super League win of the season at the weekend

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley said he has not been made aware of any plans by players to go on strike ahead of Friday's Super League game at Leeds Rhinos.

Rumours have swirled around the troubled club, who picked up only their second league win of the season against Castleford Tigers at the weekend.

Rowley has talked about "green shoots" of improvements on the pitch, but last week there was already talk of players agreeing to face the Tigers but then not turning out against Leeds in protest at ongoing problems.

However, he said: "I read an article saying I'd been made aware of certain players not playing. That's not true, nobody's approached me. I've not had any dialogue regarding that, that's utter bull."

Salford have been plagued by financial problems during a protracted takeover, leading to the late payment of wages. That in turn has led to a salary cap being imposed by the Rugby Football League (RFL), and an exodus of 11 senior players, severely weakening Rowley's squad.

Rowley last month accused one player, Sam Stone, of "downing tools" by refusing to play against St Helens, leading to him departing for Warrington Wolves on loan.

The RFL confirmed that they had scheduled a meeting with the club, players and the Rugby League Cares charity on Wednesday.

Rowley added: "That was at the request of the players, they've not come in on a white horse. It's been at the request of the players just for some clarity and some good chat and they're kindly doing that, so that's all good. It's not the gravitas it's been made out to be."